by Roohi

Created on: November 23, 2008   Last Updated: May 23, 2010

How does computer use affect your eyes? As I read this title on Helium, my attention was immediately drawn towards it. Not because I am an eye specialist, but because I am a real victim of how computer use can affect one's eyes. Yes, I am a victim, but then I don't have much choice. I can't do without a computer. It's quite possible that you who are reading this article (on the computer mind you) might also be affected by what eye specialists call the Computer Vision Syndrome, or CVS.

Research has shown that nine out of ten people using computers are suffering from CVS. The vision problems involved in CVS include blurred vision, itching, burning, dry eyes, teary eyes, difficulties in focusing, double vision, squinting, eye strain, headaches and often pain in the neck, shoulders and back.

What causes Computer Vision Syndrome? The problem is that computer screens use pixels to display words and images. These pixels are brightest in the center and as they go towards the edges, their intensity diminishes. This makes it difficult for our eyes to focus and instead they involuntarily keep drifting towards what is called the resting point of accommodation. Once they reach this point, our eyes have to refocus on the screen. This creates straining, burning and tiredness in the eyes.

If you are already suffering from Computer Vision Syndrome, you should consult an eye specialist. Your optometrist will consider the distance between your computer and your eyes and prescribe you with the right kind of eyeglasses.

If you spend a lot of hours staring into the computer or you are already suffering from Computer Vision Syndrome, but want to prevent the problem from getting worse, here are a few good practices that can help you save your eyes and vision.

Pay attention to your sitting arrangements: The computer screen should be around two feet away from your eyes. It should be at a lower level than your eyes. Your chair should be at a comfortable height. It should provide proper support to your back. Sit up straight in your chair. Make sure that the lighting in the room is not very bright. There should not be any glare on the computer screen. Adjust the screen to your preferred contrast and brightness.

Blink, Blink, Blink: When I asked my eye doctor if there were any exercises that can help me, my doctor said "Just blink". While working on the computer, one should blink as much as possible. Blinking is the best exercise for our eyes. You can try it right now. Blink about ten times

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